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Postmark rule change will affect tax payment date
By media release
Jan 8, 2026
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The US Postal Service has CHANGED the method of postmark. Previously, mail was postmarked the day the postal service received it, but now it will be postmarked when it goes through an automatic sorter, which may be DAYS after the drop off.

The TAX CODE is clear that the payment date is the POSTMARK date.

Therefore, it may take days after an envelope is mailed to actually be postmarked. The tax payments will be based on that postmark.

So if a tax payment is mailed on 1/31—but postmarked in February, there will be Penalty and Interest still due.

For mailed payments, please ensure several days prior to deadline to ensure payment is postmarked in January. All postmarks for February will accrue additional penalty and interest.

Payments may be made in person at the Central Appraisal District Office and there is a payment drop slot in the office door. (No cash in the drop slot). It is highly recommended that you send by priority mail if you are not able to mail several days prior to the deadline, or drop off the payment in person.

THIS POSTMARK CHANGE WILL AFFECT ALL
MAIL REQUIRED BY A DEADLINE: Ag
applications, Exemption applications, Business
Personal Property Rendition deadline (April 15)
and/or Protest deadlines.